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Official 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers Thread (1 Viewer)

Didn't see that they'd adjusted the other games to the 24th.  Although, I would rather have that extra day of planning before the Ravens game so I'm ok with it.  It will either be absolutely amazing, or horrible since I'll be in a house full of Ravens fans.  Really hoping for a Christmas Miracle since we seem to lose to the Ravens every time now, even when they suck.

New Rounds 1 and 2 ideal picks:
Mackensie Alexander and Vernon Butler

Odds?  1:100

 
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25558113/nfl-mock-draft-all-seven-rounds-including-team-by-team-picks

1 (25) – Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor2 (58) – T.J. Green, DB, Clemson3 (89) – Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State4 (123) – Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah6 (220) – Tom Hackett, PT, Utah7 (229) – Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia7 (246) – Roger Lewis, WR, Bowling Green

Discuss
Would be happy with this... Happier with Mack Alexander and Bronson Kaufusi though.

 
I like Dale Lolley's latest mock which has Pittsburgh dropping to the end of round 1 so Denver can draft their Qb.  Steelers then take Alexander and get Denver's 3rd and 5th rounders.

 
I might be coming to a game this year.  If so, where's the best place to book a hotel for proximity to the stadium in an area that has a little to offer other than the stadium?  Downtown?  Station Square?  Anyone have any recommended hotels?  TIA....

 
I like Dale Lolley's latest mock which has Pittsburgh dropping to the end of round 1 so Denver can draft their Qb.  Steelers then take Alexander and get Denver's 3rd and 5th rounders.
I would love that!  I don't see it happening since that would mean Alexander would get past both Carolina and KC, but if they could get more picks and still grab him I'd be very happy.

I think people are getting a little crazy with their mock drafts though.  Alexander anywhere from 13th overall to 55th overall.

 
Kind of a cool mock draft site...you pick your team, how many round you want to draft  and what "big board" you want to use.

http://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/
Well, I did the Steelers in a 3 round mock using the Fanspeak Rankings.  It was a very odd draft.  Goff fell to pick 20...

The Steelers ended up with Ezekiel Elliott (too good a value at 25), Vernon Butler, and Sua Cravens.  I'd be happy as a clam with this draft, but it seems unlikely...  While RB is definitely not a need in the 1st, I wouldn't be shocked at all if they drafted Elliott if he somehow fell to them.  BPA and all.  Also, Bell gets hurt a lot, so having another amazing RB probably wouldn't hurt (even after D Will moves on). 

Using Walter Football Rankings, the draft made a lot more sense.  Although, in both rankings the Ravens took Ronnie Stanley with Tunsil still on the board.  Interesting.

Steelers: Mack Alexander CB, Karl Joseph S, Bronson Kaufusi DT, Austin Johnson DT

I'd also be very happy with this draft.

 
Well, I did the Steelers in a 3 round mock using the Fanspeak Rankings.  It was a very odd draft.  Goff fell to pick 20...

The Steelers ended up with Ezekiel Elliott (too good a value at 25), Vernon Butler, and Sua Cravens.  I'd be happy as a clam with this draft, but it seems unlikely...  While RB is definitely not a need in the 1st, I wouldn't be shocked at all if they drafted Elliott if he somehow fell to them.  BPA and all.  Also, Bell gets hurt a lot, so having another amazing RB probably wouldn't hurt (even after D Will moves on). 

Using Walter Football Rankings, the draft made a lot more sense.  Although, in both rankings the Ravens took Ronnie Stanley with Tunsil still on the board.  Interesting.

Steelers: Mack Alexander CB, Karl Joseph S, Bronson Kaufusi DT, Austin Johnson DT

I'd also be very happy with this draft.
Yeah the fanspeak rankings seem off...I used nfl.com once and Walter football once and it seemed a lot better

 
I might be coming to a game this year.  If so, where's the best place to book a hotel for proximity to the stadium in an area that has a little to offer other than the stadium?  Downtown?  Station Square?  Anyone have any recommended hotels?  TIA....


Evergreen Hotel :)

(I'm sure it's probably long been seized/closed, actually)

 
Evergreen Hotel :)

(I'm sure it's probably long been seized/closed, actually)
:lol:   I just looked it up.

I think I'm going to end up staying downtown - the hotels there are roughly 1/2 the price of comparable hotels on the North Shore.  I suppose to save a 1 mile walk or a free 5 minute train ride?

 
:lol:   I just looked it up.

I think I'm going to end up staying downtown - the hotels there are roughly 1/2 the price of comparable hotels on the North Shore.  I suppose to save a 1 mile walk or a free 5 minute train ride?
Downtown?  Gotcha covered:  The Edison Hotel(or whatever they're calling it now).

Bonus: It's "historic!"

 
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Evilgrin 72, you should go to Big Jim's for a calzone if you get a chance.  It takes 45 minutes after you order, but it's so big that it can't fit on the plate and it's delicious as hell.

 
Franknbeans said:
Conklin - OT

J.Smith - OLB

Killebrew - S
If that's Jalon Smith, I'm out on him.

My post from the Raiders' thread:

massraider said:
NFL Insiders just had some stuff on Jaylon:

Stephania Bell said that she had not heard any news about nerve regeneration, and the longer it goes without hearing anything, the worse that is.  

Jim Trotter said he had talked to a few NFL teams, some thought he was worth a late 3rd, some thought they might take him off their boards.  

That 5th round pick for Brice Butler from Dallas, that's the dream pick as far as I'm concerned.  OK, maybe the 4th rounder.  
This is very true.  Hadn't heard this yet.  I broke my back over 5 years ago and 90% of my nerve recovery was within 3 months.  Have made no progress since about the 9 month mark and I still have drop foot.  If he still does, he probably always will.  Hearing that, I'd guess he gets a shot, floats around the league for a couple years as a backup or PS player like Lattimore and then washes out.  He is about 6 months out, so his window is mostly closed and we should know for sure by the one year mark.  Terrible news for him if true.
 
Franknbeans said:
Conklin - OT

J.Smith - OLB

Killebrew - S
I'd like the Killebrew pick!  Conklin will probably go top 16 and J Smith does still have drop-foot, so he may never recover.  Up till yesterday I was 100% in the corner of taking Jaylon with our 2nd or even our 1st just because he's so talented and it'd be a steal long term.  While it could be draft BS since a lot does come out prior to the draft, it looks like he is more on the side of never recovering than he is on the side of being back in a year.

 
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2634286-mackensie-alexander-latest-news-rumors-and-buzz-surrounding-cbs-draft-stock

Well, crap.  Apparently he's "difficult" off the field, whatever that means, and that's causing his stock to drop.  I wonder if that just means he's abrasive, since a lot of NFL players seem to be, or if he's an a**hole.  Some players don't fit in like Nnamdi Asomugha who used to eat lunch in his car instead of with teammates, but for Oakland he still performed.  It's hard to weigh talent vs personality.

 
steelers1080 said:
Evilgrin 72, you should go to Big Jim's for a calzone if you get a chance.  It takes 45 minutes after you order, but it's so big that it can't fit on the plate and it's delicious as hell.
I've been to Big Jim's Roadhouse near Southpointe and it is good but there are a lot of other places I would go to eat/drink in Pittsburgh first.

 
I've got to say, I'm getting warmed up on DT Vernon Butler.  He is a very big guy who has terrific hand / arm strength to push and shed blocks.  Quick enough in short spaces to be a pass disruptor but has absolutely the best motor of any DT in this draft.  He is the only one I see routinely chasing plays that go the other way or break the first level.  I think I prefer him to the Bama duo, and even Billings.  I have 4 guys I'd like us to land that are late 1st to mid 2nd rounders -- Butler, Joseph, Billings or Thompson.  Just not sure any of those make it to our 2nd pick.

Entering Tuesday, Butler's main focus was to improve on numbers from last month's combine. In his mind, he knew he could run faster than a 5.33 in the 40-yard dash, jump higher than 29.5 inches in the vertical and jump farther than 8-8 in the broad jump.

Butler, who weighed in at 6-foot-4 and 321 pounds, did exactly that, posting a 5.05 mark in the 40 —  some scouts had Butler in the 5.1 range — a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a 9-3 in the broad jump.
I'm not high at all on the CBs that should be available.  Alexander and Jackson are just too weak at the line and get pushed around a lot by WRs.  Apple is an attacker, but can't tackle for #### and is a flag waiting to happen in coverage. 

Coleman is an intriguing WR, but his blocking effort is terrible.

 
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I'm actually hoping they take Billings in the first.  Guy just blows up the interior of the pocket vs run or pass.  "Ball of knives."

 
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I'm actually hoping they take Billings in the first.  Guy just blows up the interior of the pocket vs run or pass.  "Ball of knives."
I like Billings too, but the effort that Butler gives is what separates the two IMO.  I'd be happy with either, just bringing up a guy that hasn't been discussed much in here.

 
I'm actually hoping they take Billings in the first.  Guy just blows up the interior of the pocket vs run or pass.  "Ball of knives."
I got him at 1.25 in the Shark Pool mock, followed by Kamalei Correa in the 2nd and Darian Thompson in the third.  Tough to pass on CB, but the value just wasn't there with any of my picks.  I could have taken Alexander in the 1st, but I'm not sold on him.

 
I got him at 1.25 in the Shark Pool mock, followed by Kamalei Correa in the 2nd and Darian Thompson in the third.  Tough to pass on CB, but the value just wasn't there with any of my picks.  I could have taken Alexander in the 1st, but I'm not sold on him.
I don't feel very secure in Thompson being there in the 3rd in the real deal.  Might have to be a 2nd round pick.

 
I like Billings too, but the effort that Butler gives is what separates the two IMO.  I'd be happy with either, just bringing up a guy that hasn't been discussed much in here.
I love Butler.  I think he has Pro-Bowl potential and I'd be happy to see him in black & gold.  I just think Billings has a higher upside - his strength/speed combination is drool-inducing and he's so young.  If he's coachable, he could be an Aaron Donald-type disruptor in the league.  Sign Tuitt long term and their D-line is going to be so good for so long....

 
I've been to Big Jim's Roadhouse near Southpointe and it is good but there are a lot of other places I would go to eat/drink in Pittsburgh first.
I have a room reserved at the Embassy Suites downtown for one weekend (10/9 vs Jets) - now I just have to wait for single game tickets to become available.

 
I love Butler.  I think he has Pro-Bowl potential and I'd be happy to see him in black & gold.  I just think Billings has a higher upside - his strength/speed combination is drool-inducing and he's so young.  If he's coachable, he could be an Aaron Donald-type disruptor in the league.  Sign Tuitt long term and their D-line is going to be so good for so long....
I can't disagree with this.  Billings is the stronger and more disruptive of the two, but he is also sloppy with his feet and often out of control and / or off balance coming off of blocks.  I also don't see nearly the effort I would like after the play goes past or away from him.  I think those are personality traits more than coachable flaws.  They both grade out very close, but I'll take the higher effort guy every time.  Again, either one should make a great addition to our DL.  Just splitting hairs IMO.

 
I can't disagree with this.  Billings is the stronger and more disruptive of the two, but he is also sloppy with his feet and often out of control and / or off balance coming off of blocks.  I also don't see nearly the effort I would like after the play goes past or away from him.  I think those are personality traits more than coachable flaws.  They both grade out very close, but I'll take the higher effort guy every time.  Again, either one should make a great addition to our DL.  Just splitting hairs IMO.
Could be a personality trait, or could be the fact that he plays for Art Briles, who basically tells players to take plays off and reserve energy.  I know that mainly applies to his receivers, but he might be coaching the big guys on defense to do the same, I don't know.

Briles acknowledges that allowing his players to coast during plays is another tactic that will likely infuriate college football traditionalists. But he believes that sort of contrarian thinking is one reason his Baylor team is so successful.

“Those football purists, I hope they stay pure,” he said. “We’ll just keep on doing whatever works for us.”

 
I got him at 1.25 in the Shark Pool mock, followed by Kamalei Correa in the 2nd and Darian Thompson in the third.  Tough to pass on CB, but the value just wasn't there with any of my picks.  I could have taken Alexander in the 1st, but I'm not sold on him.
Saw that thread and thought you did very well.  Somewhat worried that the Steelers take some D-lineman that "falls to us" and he turns into more of a Jarvis Jones than a Decastro, solid, but not great.  Also, I could totally see us taking Billings (who could be amazing in the end) and having William Jackson III go to KC and Alexander go to Carolina, and both of them become top shutdown corners in the league.  Leaving us with a good front 3, that still allows 300+ passing yards every game.

 
So should I have any hope that the Steelers will open up the check book and make a run for Josh Norman now that he is back to being a free agent.  I mean I have already resigned myself that they will draft a linebacker or lineman in the 1st round instead of doing anything with the secondary.

 
So should I have any hope that the Steelers will open up the check book and make a run for Josh Norman now that he is back to being a free agent.  I mean I have already resigned myself that they will draft a linebacker or lineman in the 1st round instead of doing anything with the secondary.
They're reportedly showing interest, but they have $3.5 million in cap space.  He's already 29 and is asking for a ton of money, I hope we pass.

I think this can still help us a lot though, if TB, Chicago, Titans, SF, or Jags sign him, then they probably won't go CB in the first anymore.  That could cause a better CB to fall to us, assuming Carolina doesn't trade in front of us for one.

 
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So should I have any hope that the Steelers will open up the check book and make a run for Josh Norman now that he is back to being a free agent.  I mean I have already resigned myself that they will draft a linebacker or lineman in the 1st round instead of doing anything with the secondary.
no hope at all IMO...asking for $14M + per year

 
They're reportedly showing interest, but they have $3.5 million in cap space.  He's already 29 and is asking for a ton of money, I hope we pass.

I think this can still help us a lot though, if TB, Chicago, Titans, SF, or Jags sign him, then they probably won't go CB in the first anymore.  That could cause a better CB to fall to us, assuming Carolina doesn't trade in front of us for one.
I'm really hoping we don't draft any of the CBs that are projected to round 1 including Hargreaves who is an ankle-biter as a tackler (very Deion-esque in that regard).  All very overrated and detriments to the running game.  I'm really holding out hope that Golson turns out to be quality and that we find a NT and a S that are starters, then LB depth and competition, both inside and outside.  Lastly, some OL depth and / or a better backup QB.  NT and S in rounds one and two are my biggest hopes.

 
I'm really hoping we don't draft any of the CBs that are projected to round 1 including Hargreaves who is an ankle-biter as a tackler (very Deion-esque in that regard).  All very overrated and detriments to the running game.  I'm really holding out hope that Golson turns out to be quality and that we find a NT and a S that are starters, then LB depth and competition, both inside and outside.  Lastly, some OL depth and / or a better backup QB.  NT and S in rounds one and two are my biggest hopes.
Golson is still expected to be great.  He was a steal last year and should be fully recovered this year.  BUT, he's a small CB and is projected to start as a Nickel CB and possibly move outside later.  Even if he turns out to be great, Cockrell isn't proven and Gay is 31, we need more good CBs.

That said, Colbert loves him some linebackers and D-linemen.  I could easily see us taking a pass rusher that falls or a DE/DT/NT that falls and can play 3 downs.  If they think Billings or Butler is purely a 2-down player, I think they pass on them to get a player who can play NT on run plays and pass rush when needed.

 
Golson is still expected to be great.  He was a steal last year and should be fully recovered this year.  BUT, he's a small CB and is projected to start as a Nickel CB and possibly move outside later.  Even if he turns out to be great, Cockrell isn't proven and Gay is 31, we need more good CBs.
Yes, we do.  My ideal draft is turning into DT, S, LB, WR, CB, QB, CB.  I'd like to see two CBs taken this draft.  Keep in mind, we were an armless QB and without our top half of the O line, RB or WR when we barely lost to the eventual champs.  Cockrell is already a step up from Blake.  Sucks to lose Boykin but Golson should be no less than equivalent.  There will still be some cheap FA depth after the draft if we need more DBs, not to mention rookie FAs and there are SOOOO many DBs compared to every other position to look through.  We can cover that base adequately this year on the cheap, I think.

That said, Colbert loves him some linebackers and D-linemen.  I could easily see us taking a pass rusher that falls or a DE/DT/NT that falls and can play 3 downs.  If they think Billings or Butler is purely a 2-down player, I think they pass on them to get a player who can play NT on run plays and pass rush when needed.
And why so many people are liking a Billings or Butler (Rankins if he falls) to us and willing to spend a 1st on them.  They can play nose and still rush the passer.  They are exactly what we need to compliment our base 3-4 at the nose or rush from the inside on an even front.  Guys like them can play any position on the D line in a 3-4 front and do it for 3 downs, or rotate inside with Heyward and Tuitt if in a 4-3 or 2 down nickel / dime package.  I've even seen plays on both of them when they have dropped back in coverage in zone blitzes!

My other favorite option is to take our favorite safety in the 1st and utilize the DL depth to get a pure NT in the 3rd or 4th.  Just a thought, how about drafting both of Karl Joseph and Keanu Neal?  Seems to me that the longer a pair of Ss play together, the better they make each other.  New pair for the decade?

 
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Using the Walter Football rankings, I took

1. William Jackson, CB (Eli Apple also available)

2. Robert Nkemdiche, DT (passing on Derrick Henry, RB & William Fuller, CB)

3. Deion Jones, OLB (very tempted to grab CJ Prosise, RB)
I doubt, after the Ben stuff, Santonio, the RBs and now Bryant that the Steelers even have Nkemdiche on their draft board.  Change him to Fuller and WJ3 to our DT, then a 3rd rounder that fits our scheme (maybe one of the S / LB hybrids for versatility and ST) and I'd like that a lot better.

I played with this app for probably 10 or 12 drafts.  I never came up with a draft where I could get something I was really happy with.  Taking a CB all but ensured there was neither a S or a DT available that I liked at our draft spots.  Even without a CB it was pretty iffy.  If there were some way to move up to the top of the 3rd or even better, get an additional early 2nd it would make things look a lot better.  Talent seems to really fall off a cliff mid 3rd.  I just don't think there will be much incentive for a team to trade out of the sweet spots from 20-70.  This is a good year for teams to be picking early despite the lack of blue chippers after 8 or so.

 
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I'd like the Killebrew pick!  Conklin will probably go top 16 and J Smith does still have drop-foot, so he may never recover.  Up till yesterday I was 100% in the corner of taking Jaylon with our 2nd or even our 1st just because he's so talented and it'd be a steal long term.  While it could be draft BS since a lot does come out prior to the draft, it looks like he is more on the side of never recovering than he is on the side of being back in a year.
I used the Walter rankings and there just wasn't anyone better than Conklin available on D in the 1st. I realize Conklin won't be there in reality but he was on this site.

 
I used the Walter rankings and there just wasn't anyone better than Conklin available on D in the 1st. I realize Conklin won't be there in reality but he was on this site.
Lol.  I got Conklin in my last draft right after you posted this using Fanspeak rankings.

25: R1P25 OT JACK CONKLIN, MICHIGAN STATE (because you don't pass this up)

58: R2P27  S VONN BELL, OHIO STATE (not the S I was hoping for, but has starter ability)

89: R3P26  DT WILLIE HENRY, MICHIGAN (just turned 21 and has above average awareness in the trench mess)

123: R4P25  CB JONATHAN JONES, AUBURN (fast and strong with great ball skills, but more a man than zone CB)

Kind of hurt passing on Jaylon Smith here, but I really do think his career is Lattimore'd.

220: R6P45  OLB CURT MAGGITT, TENNESSEE (passionate, high-motor, on-field coach)

229: R7P8  CB CRE'VON LEBLANC, FLORIDA ATLANTIC (short and slow but with great cover and ball skills, produced as well as his 3rd round teammate from last year)

246: R7P25  ILB ANTONIO MORRISON, FLORIDA (WiLB who is too small, too slow but 2 time All-SEC, hard nosed fighter)

The mock I felt best about despite a questionable 1st rounder:

25: R1P25  OLB NOAH SPENCE, EASTERN KENTUCKY (some mocks have had him fall this far . . . BPA if reports are true about his life turnaround -- would have liked a different pick)

58: R2P27  S KEANU NEAL, FLORIDA (worthy of wearing Ronnie Lott's #42 as a hitter and can handle single deep as well)

89: R3P26  CB CYRUS JONES, ALABAMA (should be a #3 or 4 CB on opening day, possibly solving our lack of kick returner)

123: R4P25  DT MATT IOANNIDIS, TEMPLE (all motor, space eater NT)

220: R6P45  QB TREVONE BOYKIN, TCU (small, but productive and smart)

229: R7P8  DT DARIUS LATHAM, INDIANA (projected 4-5th round pick but slides due to off-field, risk is mitigated with a 7th rounder -- didn't get a top guy, so doubled up)

246: R7P25  CB MORGAN BURNS, KANSAS STATE (better possibility of solving our kick returner issues, flexibility as a nickel box safety and potentially a CB if coached up - raw)

 
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The more I play with the draft simulator, the more I like the options available by taking a safety (Karl) first.  There may be a safety found in the second, but I'd rather start the run than be found at the end of it.  DTs and CBs are still good through the 3rd and deeper.  I hate not having a 5th.  The drop between 4th and 6th round picks is severe.

 
I doubt, after the Ben stuff, Santonio, the RBs and now Bryant that the Steelers even have Nkemdiche on their draft board.  Change him to Fuller and WJ3 to our DT, then a 3rd rounder that fits our scheme (maybe one of the S / LB hybrids for versatility and ST) and I'd like that a lot better.

I played with this app for probably 10 or 12 drafts.  I never came up with a draft where I could get something I was really happy with.  Taking a CB all but ensured there was neither a S or a DT available that I liked at our draft spots.  Even without a CB it was pretty iffy.  If there were some way to move up to the top of the 3rd or even better, get an additional early 2nd it would make things look a lot better.  Talent seems to really fall off a cliff mid 3rd.  I just don't think there will be much incentive for a team to trade out of the sweet spots from 20-70.  This is a good year for teams to be picking early despite the lack of blue chippers after 8 or so.
They brought him in for a visit so I'd say there's some interest.

Should float some more stories about having interest in Paxton Lynch. Broncos want a QB (Lynch) and trading with the Steelers could net the Steelers some picks.

 
I don't know, the more I read about Jaylon Smith, the more I'd like to see the Steelers draft him. Maybe not Round 2 but somewhere. 

Funny, Lolley in his "ideal draft" piece picked him in the 3rd round.

 
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If he makes a full recovery, he's a steal with our first pick.  You're seeing him fall so far because his prognosis isn't very optimistic.

 
Using NFL.com rankings.

William Jackson III, CB

Von Bell, S

Braxton Miller, WR

Kyle Murphy, OT

D.J. Reader, DT

James Bradberry, CB

Jason Fanaika, DE

Paxton Lynch going to the 49ers in second round is the odd pick that stuck out the most. I'm sure there were others but I'm not as junkied out on the draft as in years past. This was fun and I'll be doing a lot more of them and not just the Steelers.

 
Smith still has drop foot from what I'm reading everywhere.  Guy probably isn't going to make it in the NFL with that nerve damage.  Spending prior to a 4th rounder?  Pass.  May be reticent even then.  Totally sucks for him.  Hoping he took out a big insurance policy.

 

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